The Broadway musical, "Disney's Newsies," is based on a true event in 1899 about the newsboys in New York taking on stand against the mogul newspaper giant Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the New York World.

Pulitzer, who is trying to best his rival, William Randolph Hearst, increases the cost of the newspapers the young boys sell, which already hurts their payments. According to public relation /marketing director Dana Munson, 'It's a high energy show with a cast of 26."

The corner newsboy

People in this generation don't remember the corner newsboy.

But a couple of generations ago, if you lived or visited the city, they'd be one every corner. This also is back when the newspapers came out a couple of times a day, based on the latest news headlines.

The musical's hero, Jack Kelly, is portrayed by John Arthur Greene, who is currently appearing as Theo in "School of Rock" on Broadway. Most of the newsboys are either homeless or orphans and count on their earnings to survive.

The exception is Davie and his young brother Les. Although they have parents, their father had an accident and cannot work, so the boys are trying to bring in extra money. Jack recognizes the intelligence of Davie and takes them under his wing — and they also get caught up in the newsboy strike.

Davie is being played by Adante Carter while his little brother, Les, is portrayed by 11 year old Blake McCall of Jupiter

Blake McCall

Young Jupiter thespian Blake McCall is a featured actor/dancer in the current production of "Newsies" at the Matlz Jupiter Theatre.

I had the opportunity to talk with Blake in between rehearsals. A sixth-grade student at Bak School in West Palm Beach, Blake's first professional opportunity was as a performer in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre 's production of "Gypsy" during the 2016/17 season.

He began his training about four years ago as part of the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) where he has taken ballet, jazz and tap. He's been featured and starred in many of their productions, including the recent production of "Flat Stanley" as Stanley.

'I hope to go to Broadway'

When asked when he decided to pursue an acting career, especially in musicals, he answered with a comon sense remark.

"I used to sing around the house and enjoyed it. After joining COPA, I discovered that I could do the singing and dancing and get paid for it. I hope to go to Broadway and Los Angeles to pursue my career in musical theater."

Actor Adante Carter, who portrays his older brother in Newsies, is instrumental in creating the goal of living in New York and having a place in L.A. "I think this would be great," Blake said.

His schooling is not interrupted as he has to check online daily; find his assisgnments and get them done.

"At Bak, we don't get to be in a production until eighth grade," Blake said. "Right now, we have the opportunity to learn about backstage crafts. I didn't do so good on costume designing but really liked set design."

First Step to Stardom auditions

Annually, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has its First Step to Stardom auditions, giving young thespians an opporutnity to audition for the coming season. In addition to Blake being cast, Casey Butler and Alexander Goodwin-Elan, also are local talent.

"It's a lot different being in a professional show, "said Blake. "When I was in the COPA productions, if I forgot a line, I just said 'line' and they supplied me with it. The first day I came to rehearsals for "Newsies," everyone knew all of their lines. It's exciting working with the diffent actors from New York.

Blake is the son of Summer and Alex McCall. He also has a younger brother and sister.

Best of Broadway/Newsies run

Coming up is Best of Broadway on Dec. 30.

"We'll be singing songs from a lot of the different musicals," Blake said. "It's sorta like a cabaret."

Sounds like he's well on his way to stardom.

Disney's "Newsies" will run through Dec. 17. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, it received two Tony Awards 2012.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre production is being directed by Marcos Santana and choreographed All Blackstone.

It's a great show for kids of all ages and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is offering numerous incentives for students.

Student tickets are available for young audience members on the night of the performance.

All students 18 and under can buy a mezzanine ticket for only $25, subject to availability.